The Merrimack Concert Choir provided entertainment while guests met Santa Claus and cast a vote for their favorite Christmas Tree, one decorated by each class. The crowd favorite was adorned by the Class of 2018, a tree dressed in the likeness of Santa. After a short prayer by Rev. Ray Dlugos, O.S.A., vice president for mission and ministry, President Hopey asked the assistance of the children to send their energy through the wires to light the Christmas Tree. Numerous group and family photos were snapped in front of the tree lit with sparkling white lights.
The second phase of the Celebration of Light and Hope was held in the Merrimack Athletics Complex. Refreshments were served in the DiCroce Family Lobby, with the sounds of the Merrimack Jazz Band filling the air with Christmas music as children asked Santa for a special gift on Christmas morning. After refreshments, many revelers donned skates in the Lawler Rink for a chance to enjoy the ice alongside the Warrior Hockey Team. Team members helped beginner skaters and banished the more advanced ones to the penalty box (in a teasing moment). Santa joined the skaters on the ice for some special photo moments. Young and old enjoyed getting into the Christmas spirit.
The Annual Alumni Christmas Party was celebrated on December 4 at the State Room on the 33rd floor of 60 State Street in Boston. The Jazz Band and the Concert Choir entertained more than 400 attendees representing decades of classes who came from near and far to celebrate the Christmas season with fellow alumni and enjoy the breathtaking view
The Merrimack community will come together many more times over the month of December in celebration of this very special and blessed time of year. The Augustinian Community of St. Ambrose Friary will host the annual Gaudete Party on December 16. The word Gaudete is Latin for Rejoice as Christians celebrate the Third Sunday of Advent as the liturgical calendar shifts from somber to joy in anticipation of the Birth of Jesus Christ.
Merrimack employees will also enjoy a Christmas Party hosted by President Hopey on December 18. Prior to the party, a pre-Christmas Mass will be celebrated as a reminder to keep Christ in Christmas.
